Children Retreat Titled ‘I Return to Buddha’

On 11th August, 2019 (11th July, year of the Pig), Hoang Phap Pagoda continued to organize the 17th children retreat on "I Come to Buddha" for nearly 1,000 children to attend.

In the morning, after registering, the monks instructed the children to the lecture hall to participate in activities. After that, Venerable Thich Tam Hanh,  the monk of Hoang Phap pagoda, had a few words to the children on the topic “Do not let yourself to be too late”. With touching stories about the father and mother, he led the children to see the calm sacrifice of parents. Thereby, he advised the children to unite and love their siblings in the house; try to study hard, cherish the surrounding people and especially respect and love their parents. 

At the same time, at the main hall, there was a talk about family education from Ven. Thich Tam Quyet, the monk of Hoang Phap Pagoda, to parents as well as Buddhists who came to visit the pagoda and gave offering to Buddha.

 In the afternoon, the children attended the Ullambana ceremony. This is a ceremony to show gratitude to parents, or remember the dead parents.

Attending the ceremony, there was Ven. Thich Tam Trong, deputy abbot of Hoang Phap Pagoda and the monks. In  the ceremony, Ven. Thich Tam Truong read  the story “the Meaning of Rose”. Let cherish the rose on your chest because it reminds us about our origin and the merit of the parents. Next, a short video was shown, referring to the emotion of children for their father and mother. After that, Mai Phuong said her feelings about her lost father and her heart to the parents.

After that, the rite of pinning roses on the monk’s robe,from which flower symbolizes the purity and nobility, and Robe- offering to the monks rite was carried out. Finally, Venerable Thich Tam Trong had a few words. 

Some images recorded: